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EU plans new fund to help tech companies scale
Date:
May 24, 2025
The European Commission plans to launch the Scaleup Europe Fund in 2026 to invest in fast-growing firms across key sectors like artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, clean energy, semiconductors, and biotech. The fund, co-financed by private investors, aims to address the “clear funding gap” — the lack of investments above €100 million that prevents European firms from reaching the scale needed for global competition.
Without this support, Europe risks losing critical technologies and companies, weakening its economic security and tech sovereignty. The Commission stresses that a European market-based scale-up is essential to close this gap and strengthen the EU’s position.
In addition, the Commission plans to simplify business registration, making it possible to establish companies within 48 hours. New rules, expected in early 2026, will follow a “digital-by-default” approach, enabling startups to expand across EU countries without lengthy national procedures.
This fast-track model is inspired by U.S. practices, such as those in Delaware. European startups have long criticized bureaucratic barriers that hinder their growth in the single market. The new strategy aims to boost Europe’s attractiveness as an innovation hub and reduce dependence on powers like the U.S. and China.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.